Hi, I will be in Bariloche for a week mid July.

Any suggestions of where to stay, and what to do? (besides skiing).

The 7lakes route looks amazing, how long does it take? what transport do you use? whats it like?

What will the temperature be like and what do you suggest wearing?

Thanks

A private home is the best I think, specially to avoid alll the bunch of students an flock of local tourists...
I heard great experiences of people staying outside Bariloche. With BVR you solve two problems where to stay, and what to do.
And if by any chance you are looking for the warm come to the NW!
Flintstones...

We entered Argentina from Pucon, crossing the Andes into San Martin des Los Andes (a town well worth a visit BTW) and together with another couple we rented a ar and drove down to Bariloche.

Even though the road from San Martin to Bariloche is a pretty major road (and one of the most scenic drives in the world), the tarmac quickly rans out and we were soon onto gravel (except that, because of the rain and snow, it was now more like mud than gravel!) The car continually slid all over the road and the wheels had trouble gripping when going up and going down the many, many hills (I later noticed that one of the front tyres is almost bald!). Anyway, after about 60-70 kilometres of driving on what could only loosely be described as a road (possibly the worst I have driven on outside of Africa), we made it to the very swish lakeside resort town of Angostura, about midway through the route (and the only town we end up passing, the whole day).

We found a place for lunch and guided by Claudio (our Italian chef travelling companion) we go for the pasta and chicken in Neapolitana Sauce (Naples is his home town). Excellent food abouind in this town which is a bit like many european ski resorts

After lunch we continue our journey onwards along the shores of the last and biggest lake, to Bariloche. We finally arrived and drove around this very spread out town, trying to find a place to stay for the night. After about an hour, during which time we have watched literally hundreds of hormonally challenged and, soon to be soon to be drunk, students wander by. We later discovered that it is a bank Holiday AND Bariloche is THE place where students come on their spring break). Really NOT the best time to visit!!

The drive is highly, but as the previous poster has suggested check out the weather before you set off. We did not! If we had we would have found that the blue skies we had when leaving would soon turn to grey with snow and hail and everything else in between. If I were doing the drive again, I would go for a 4WD or a t least a larger car that teh Renault Clio we ended up with.

We took a day trip from VLA to San Martin, we were there in March so the day was bright and sunny. I cannot imagine doing that drive if there was any kind of weather. Even with the perfect picture day, my DH and I kept looking at each other in amazement that this was a "main" road. It was quite the adventure and a really beautiful drive, when we could enjoy it.

We stayed in VLA and really enjoyed our stay in this area.

there are tons of things to see and do. I recommend going to llao llao national park, and taking the bus over to colonia suiza (the food is amazing). also, if you are up for an even better time, take a quick bus ride down to EL Bolson, my favorite place in Argentina!

Have a great trip!

Cheers!

There is also an all pavement drive between SMDLA and Bariloche that runs along the Rio Limay and Valle Encantado. It is really beautiful and much better in bad weather.

Fab, thanks for that! so besides the lake trip, any other ideas of must do's??

Yes, must dos are riding the chairlift to Cerro Campanario on a clear day, day drive to El Bolson for the craft fair (Tues, Thurs and Sat) and riding around the Circuito Chico (ruta 77). Also, if you are a foodie, there are some amazing dining options in the area. Suerte!